Family: orchids (Orchidaceae)
Flowering time: April–June
Size: 15–30 cm
Habitat: dry, open meadows, grassy slopes and among shrubs
Three-toothed orchid (Orchis tridentata) is a smaller orchid, which has lanceolate basal leaves arranged in a rosette, a pair of leaves is arranged spirally and clasp the stem. At the top of the erect stem develops a dense, broad ovate to rounded inflorescence. It is formed by numerous whitish to pink flowers, decorated with a pronounced pink pattern. The lobes on the trilobed labellum are outlined; they do not form tufts of hairs. The remaining five petals are adorned with darker pink veins. These petals are acuminate and form a half-open helmet.
Three-toothed orchid grows on dry barren soils on calcareous substrate. With the exception of Pomurje, it is widespread throughout Slovenia, and it is rare in the Alpine region.
In Slovenia the species is protected and is listed as endangered on the Red List of ferns and seed plants.
